- 1
Cars come up a number of times in these chapters. What do they seem to symbolize, or how do they appear in these incidents?
In the 1920's, cars were a luxury item rather than a means of getting around, as they are today. The people at Gatsby's party are in awe of his Rolls Royce; the party is at least temporarily dampened by a car crash; people comment on one another's driving abilities. In the novel, cars seem to be frightening and powerful, a symbol of luxury and excess and the consequences of those states of being.
- 2
How do Gatsby's parties appear to Nick before he is invited to one? Does this perception change once he attends one of the parties?
Before he is...
Join Now to View Premium Content
GradeSaver provides access to 2373 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11023 literature essays, 2793 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.